They say knowledge is power, and that’s certainly accurate when it comes to your air conditioner. While challenging repairs are best left to experts, it’s helpful to have a basic understanding of your air conditioner and how to solve everyday AC issues.

Learning how your AC works and the common problems it faces can empower you to handle simple problems without needing to call an HVAC specialist every time. This not only saves you dollars on minor service calls, but understanding when to reach out to a professional can help prevent small issues from escalating into complex repairs.

Your AC is an important element of your home comfort. Because of that, you should always err on the side of caution and call a NATE-certified professional for air conditioning repair in Greater Richmond if you're not sure about any aspect of your air conditioner's operation or maintenance.

Here are several common questions people ask our experts about their air conditioners:

1. How Should I Clean My Air Conditioner?

Cleaning an air conditioner is a good way to make sure it operates efficiently, and possibly could extend the life of your unit.

The most significant action you can take on your own is to change the air filter in your air conditioner. The filter catches dust, pollen, pet hair and other debris, and removes those impurities from the air circulating inside your home. If your AC filter becomes plugged, the air conditioner has to work harder than it is supposed to in order to pull air through the filter. A clean filter traps the airborne debris while still allowing air to flow efficiently through the system.

Replacement filters can be purchased at most popular home improvement stores, hardware stores or can be purchased from your local HVAC specialist. A good way to make sure you get the proper filter is to look at your old one before you leave for the store, taking care to write down the size of the filter. If you’re not familiar with filters, it’s also a smart idea to note the filtration level of the current filter if you are wanting to buy something similar.

For comprehensive service of your air conditioner, contact the seasoned professionals like the crew at Herman Allen Plumbing, Heating & Cooling to do routine maintenance on your system. They’ll examine your system, clean or lubricate parts that need cleaning and look for worn-out parts and potential trouble.

2. How Are the Coils on My Air Conditioner Cleaned?

In addition to making sure your indoor air conditioning unit is operating efficiently, it’s also a good idea to tend to your outdoor unit. Cleaning the coils on the exterior unit of your cooling system is a quick way to improve its efficiency and can extend the life of your entire system.

The coils, which have extensions called fins, are used to release heat from the refrigerant to the outdoors. This lowers the temperature of the refrigerant, which then goes back into your home so it can absorb more heat from the air in your home's interior. Cleaning the fins and the coils can help them release heat more efficiently.

To clean your air conditioner’s fins and coil:

1) First, turn off power to the outdoor unit. It’s best to flip off the the on/off switch, instead of turning the thermostat off.

2) Remove the top of the outdoor AC so you can enter the insides of the unit. Then, being careful not to stress any cords or attachments, safely set the top to the side.

3) Put a cleaning solution on the fins, starting at the top and then working your way down. Commercial coil cleaners are available and commonly found in both the canned aerosol spray from as well as in the form of foaming solutions that are applied with your garden hose.

4) Follow directions on the product to apply. For most cleaners, it's suggested that you spray the product on, let the cleaner soak in for a small period of time to attack the grime and then carefully spray it off with a garden hose. Be careful not to spray too hard, because that could harm the coils or fins!

5) Secure the top back on the unit and then wait for the unit to dry before turning the unit back on.

3. How Long Can Air Conditioners Work?

The life span of an air conditioner depends on the type of unit, its quality, how well it's maintained and how frequently it's used. That said, pros say you should start getting ready for air conditioner replacement after about 12-15 years.

One of the best ways to get the most mileage out of your HVAC is through regular conditioner maintenance. Maintenance service from Herman Allen Plumbing, Heating & Cooling consists of cleaning and inspecting the machinery, as well as changing out the dirty filter and fixing any worn-out or broken parts. To keep your unit operating as long as it can, call us today to schedule air conditioning maintenance in Greater Richmond.

4. What's the Right Size of Air Conditioner?

Choosing the correct sized air conditioner for your home is critical for maintaining comfort and efficiency. Here are some factors to take into account when deciding what size air conditioner you need for your home:

  • Square footage: The amount of space you want to cool is one of the most important factors. Bigger spaces necessitate more cooling power.
  • Home insulation: Well-insulated homes retain cool air better, which could decrease your cooling needs.
  • Climate: If you live in a hotter climate, you'll need a more powerful air conditioner compared to a homeowner living in a cooler environment.
  • Number of windows: Windows frequently let in heat, in particular when they're south-facing or not well-insulated.
  • Number of residents: More people in the house means more body heat, which could impact your cooling needs.
  • Present HVAC system: The size and effectiveness of your current system can provide a starting point for determining what you need.

Due to the fact the size of your AC is so critical to your home’s comfort, you will almost certainly want a professional opinion. At Herman Allen Plumbing, Heating & Cooling, we take the time to thoroughly understand your family’s lifestyle, comfort needs and the many other considerations such as your home’s design and size. This attention to detail and dedication to customer service is why Herman Allen Plumbing, Heating & Cooling is known for exceptional air conditioning installation in Greater Richmond.

5. What Is the Cost of a New Air Conditioner?

While prices fluctuate depending on the type of the unit and your home’s unique needs, a new air conditioner generally costs between $5,000 and $12,500 to purchase and install. The good news is that new air conditioners are designed to be extremely efficient, so they do more with less power when compared to older units.

The price tag of an air conditioner is impacted by several factors during the manufacturing process, such as the cost and availability of raw materials, manufacturing and labor costs along with federal regulations that necessitate changes to the design.

Note these are average costs and prices can fluctuate. It's always smart to get numerous quotes from trustworthy HVAC companies before making a choice. If you’re considering air conditioning replacement in Greater Richmond, get in touch with Herman Allen Plumbing, Heating & Cooling. We will schedule an appointment to provide you with a complimentary estimate, explain the plan and help connect you with available rebates or discounts.

6. Why Is My Air Conditioner Freezing Up?

An AC freezing up can be brought on by a number of factors, all of which boil down to the failure of your system to efficiently transfer heat. If your unit is suffering from issues causing it to freeze up, it is very likely time for air conditioning repair.

Here are some typical reasons for AC freezing up:

  • Insufficient airflow: If the air isn't flowing easily through your AC system, it can't properly absorb heat. This could be due to a plugged air filter, something stopping air from flowing through the return air ducts or a failing fan.
  • Low refrigerant levels: If your air conditioner is running low on refrigerant, it may become too cold and freeze up. This is frequently because of leaks in the refrigerant lines.
  • Frosty outdoor temperatures: Using the air conditioner when it's too cold outside can cause the system to freeze. Most units aren't designed to function in temperatures lower than 60 degrees Fahrenheit (15 degrees Celsius).
  • Mechanical failures: Faulty thermostats, damaged blower motors and trouble with the relay or control board can all contribute to an AC unit freezing up.

Herman Allen Plumbing, Heating & Cooling is your Respected Source for Air Conditioning Service in Greater Richmond.

At Herman Allen Plumbing, Heating & Cooling, we strive to make your home a comfortable and soothing place. Our experienced professionals are up-to-date on the latest industry training and trends, and are experienced on a wide variety of systems. That’s why community members make us their first call for air conditioning repair in Greater Richmond and neighboring towns.

If you’re seeking to upgrade or its time for a replacement, we’ve got you covered there too, with our first-class air conditioning installation in Greater Richmond. No matter what, we can help you solve your cooling issues!

Phone Herman Allen Plumbing, Heating & Cooling today at 804-979-2758 to schedule an appointment or complimentary estimate!